I'd recommend the Globe just for the fact that its a bit newer bike. Now, i am not hating on old bikes, i'm just saying it will be much easier to have an idea of what the Globe has been through throughout its entire life than the 70's bridgestone. You can always check the frame for noticeable defects, but you never really know whats it has been through in the last 40 years. It is also a conversion, which, again not hating on anything, but the Specialized is a bike that was built to be a SS/FG.

Also, about how tall are you or rather what is the inseam on your pants? The Globe is an "Extra Large" and the Bridgestone seems to be slightly big as well. You really shouldn't buy a bike that does not fit you. So you should see what size bike you need.

One last thing, have you checked out Bikes Direct at all? They have numourous bikes to fit your budget. One of the most commen referalls for new riders is teh Kilo TT. Another cheaper choice is the Windsor "The Hour". Both very good starter bikes. You can also then have the choice to pick different size bikes that will fit you well.

I'd recommend the Globe just for the fact that its a bit newer bike. Now, i am not hating on old bikes, i'm just saying it will be much easier to have an idea of what the Globe has been through throughout its entire life than the 70's bridgestone. You can always check the frame for noticeable defects, but you never really know whats it has been through in the last 40 years. It is also a conversion, which, again not hating on anything, but the Specialized is a bike that was built to be a SS/FG.

Also, about how tall are you or rather what is the inseam on your pants? The Globe is an "Extra Large" and the Bridgestone seems to be slightly big as well. You really shouldn't buy a bike that does not fit you. So you should see what size bike you need.

One last thing, have you checked out Bikes Direct at all? They have numourous bikes to fit your budget. One of the most commen referalls for new riders is teh Kilo TT. Another cheaper choice is the Windsor "The Hour". Both very good starter bikes. You can also then have the choice to pick different size bikes that will fit you well.

sounds like you already have your heart set on the globe. you've mentioned it twice unprompted outside of the original context.

fwiw, i would get the globe roll.

fwiw, it's not a scene it's a gloryhole.

I don't have my heart set on anything at this point - I'm leaning towards the Globe because it's much newer. But I'm really open to any options at this point. I want something that isn't going to fall apart on me - but also wont break the bank(**** happens, bikes get stolen, I'm impoverished, etc).

I know you get what you pay for but I figure I can just upgrade **** as it breaks - as long as it has a decent frame I guess.

But it looks like that Globe is and XL size and I'm only 6'0'' so it might be too big for me anyway.

Know Your Size

Originally Posted by SSbalt

But it looks like that Globe is and XL size and I'm only 6'0'' so it might be too big for me anyway.

You can't possibly shop for a used bike without knowing exactly what fits you. I am 6'1" with a 34" leg length (stocking feet, back to wall, book pressed upward to pubic bone, mark wall, measure up from floor), which makes my proportions in the standard range. I can fit a 58cm frame up to a 61cm frame, but must adjust stem reach and seat height accordingly. My top tube length plus stem reach length must equal approximately 68.5 cm for proper fit, although there can be some fudging depending on bar type and brake lever placement.

If you're 6' but have only 30" inseam, you would have a longer torso than average. You'd want to be very conscious about top tube length and stem reach to fit yourself. This might drive you to larger frames with shorter stems, but might not, depending on the frame geometry. Your real inseam measurement (from a bike fit perspective, not a pants rack perspective) may be longer than you realize.

Take some accurate measurements then begin looking again. Your local bike shop should permit you to ride a few bikes in your size, but it's best to be up front with them about your budget and what you intend to purchase. That way, they'll know that they're investing in you for future business, but not likely the sale of the bike that you test ride.

Whichever floats your boat. The TT, TT Pro, and Stripper are all the same frame with different finishes. The Pro, as the name and price suggest, has nicer components. The TT and Stripper are essentially the exact same bike, with different paint jobs. The WT has different geometry (I believe?) and fits huge tires (just ask gysewho). The S3X (if they still sell it) has an internally geared fixed hub.

Whichever floats your boat. The TT, TT Pro, and Stripper are all the same frame with different finishes. The Pro, as the name and price suggest, has nicer components. The TT and Stripper are essentially the exact same bike, with different paint jobs. The WT has different geometry (I believe?) and fits huge tires (just ask gysewho). The S3X (if they still sell it) has an internally geared fixed hub.

Ok, sounds good - I might just grab a standard Kilo TT. What would be the first thing I should replace on it? I know that's a can of worms but - I mean performance wise.

You can't possibly shop for a used bike without knowing exactly what fits you. I am 6'1" with a 34" leg length (stocking feet, back to wall, book pressed upward to pubic bone, mark wall, measure up from floor), which makes my proportions in the standard range. I can fit a 58cm frame up to a 61cm frame, but must adjust stem reach and seat height accordingly. My top tube length plus stem reach length must equal approximately 68.5 cm for proper fit, although there can be some fudging depending on bar type and brake lever placement.

If you're 6' but have only 30" inseam, you would have a longer torso than average. You'd want to be very conscious about top tube length and stem reach to fit yourself. This might drive you to larger frames with shorter stems, but might not, depending on the frame geometry. Your real inseam measurement (from a bike fit perspective, not a pants rack perspective) may be longer than you realize.

Take some accurate measurements then begin looking again. Your local bike shop should permit you to ride a few bikes in your size, but it's best to be up front with them about your budget and what you intend to purchase. That way, they'll know that they're investing in you for future business, but not likely the sale of the bike that you test ride.

Phil G.

Please re-read everything Phil just said, then when you are done, read it again. Take his advice. Head to the local bike shop and see what size frame you would use.

As for 'performance upgrades' on the Kilo. Just get the bike and ride it. You will gain performance without changing a thing with a good amount of seat time at first. I will say however, that after riding the bike for a little bit, you'll probably want to change the gear ratio to fit your riding style. But that is something you can figure out after you first get the bike, then ride it around for a bit. You cannot possible think of performance upgrades if you do not have some seat time on the bike yet. You have to ride the bike, get used to it, do research on here regarding 'upgrades', then while riding start to think of areas on the bike you might want to improve that would increase performance. At least thats what i did. I rode my bike stock for about 3 months. First thing I changed out was my saddle and bars. I didnt like drops for street riding, so i switched to bullhorns because they were more comfortable. I also did not like my seat, so i got fitted for a seat and bought one. Both upgrades (Not big like new crankset or wheels) gained me lots of performance because I was more comfortable riding and could ride harder.

.Chris

Last edited by ImChris; 04-14-11 at 12:07 PM.

Central Michigan University Alum. I like to ride bikes with my friends.

I think you should get the TT Pro since you're already talking about replacing things. They come with Sugino RD-2 cranks, nicer wheelset, F/R brakes, etc. All you would have to change is the saddle, pedals/clips, and maybe the handlebar if you wanted.

Originally Posted by ThisJauntyGent

The stories about the smell are absolutely true: straight elephant dick.

Please re-read everything Phil just said, then when you are done, read it again. Take his advice. Head to the local bike shop and see what size frame you would use.

As for 'performance upgrades' on the Kilo. Just get the bike and ride it. You will gain performance without changing a thing with a good amount of seat time at first. I will say however, that after riding the bike for a little bit, you'll probably want to change the gear ratio to fit your riding style. But that is something you can figure out after you first get the bike, then ride it around for a bit. You cannot possible think of performance upgrades if you do not have some seat time on the bike yet. You have to ride the bike, get used to it, do research on here regarding 'upgrades', then while riding start to think of areas on the bike you might want to improve that would increase performance. At least thats what i did. I rode my bike stock for about 3 months. First thing I changed out was my saddle and bars. I didnt like drops for street riding, so i switched to bullhorns because they were more comfortable. I also did not like my seat, so i got fitted for a seat and bought one. Both upgrades (Not big like new crankset or wheels) gained me lots of performance because I was more comfortable riding and could ride harder.

.Chris

This all sounds very reasonable to me. Thanks for the advice - I was just getting a little worried because I'm new to this stuff, and you see posts saying how bad stock components are on these lower-end bikes.

Random observation - the bullhorn style handlebars do look a bit more comfortable for all-around riding, but like you said - I'll just have to get some saddle time in and decide for myself what I want to change or upgrade.

Question - Is there a resource(on this site or otherwise) where I can find a detailed lay out of a SS bike so I can familiarize myself with the names of all the different components? I.E. a picture of a SS with different parts labeled like the Cog, bottom bracket, crank, etc.

Also, I just measured my inseam wearing mesh shorts and it was 31.5''(very erotic), What size frame would suit me? I know I *should* go to the LBS and get fitted but I went there already and they are the pushiest sales staff I have ever encountered - and I work in sales. They basically harassed me the entire short time I was in there and I swore I would never give them any of my money. I am in the process of finding a better LBS but I would like to order a bike sooner rather than later. So bare with me.

Thanks again for answering my dumb questions, I promise to learn these things and answer other peoples' dumb questions on here down the road.

No those are clipless pedals, when I said clipped in, I just meant my foot was secured into the toe clips and strapped. I should have said strapped in, but whatever lol.

OK! that's what I thought but I just wanted to make sure, lol. I've been scrolling through so many Steamrollers/Kilos/Pistas/etc. online in the past few days that its making my head spin since they all seem to have different pedals or no pedals at all depending on price and picture.

Seriously! Wish I had someone to tell me to go to Bikes Direct 3 years ago. Instead I spent that money on a too small conversion with Bike Island wheels. Even the Hour/Messenger are really solid. But Yah get a Kilo. You'll thank us.

Your Size

Originally Posted by SSbalt

This all sounds very reasonable to me. Thanks for the advice - I was just getting a little worried because I'm new to this stuff, and you see posts saying how bad stock components are on these lower-end bikes.

Random observation - the bullhorn style handlebars do look a bit more comfortable for all-around riding, but like you said - I'll just have to get some saddle time in and decide for myself what I want to change or upgrade.

Question - Is there a resource(on this site or otherwise) where I can find a detailed lay out of a SS bike so I can familiarize myself with the names of all the different components? I.E. a picture of a SS with different parts labeled like the Cog, bottom bracket, crank, etc.

Also, I just measured my inseam wearing mesh shorts and it was 31.5''(very erotic), What size frame would suit me? I know I *should* go to the LBS and get fitted but I went there already and they are the pushiest sales staff I have ever encountered - and I work in sales. They basically harassed me the entire short time I was in there and I swore I would never give them any of my money. I am in the process of finding a better LBS but I would like to order a bike sooner rather than later. So bare with me.

Thanks again for answering my dumb questions, I promise to learn these things and answer other peoples' dumb questions on here down the road.

You need to find another bike shop. Tell them what you want and ask for their help, being very plain (but kind and humble) about your intentions. To learn, there are many, many books on bikes. Stop by your local full-service book shop and browse the sports section - you'll find some illustrated books. Most will not cover fixed gear/single speed bikes in any detail because these represent a niche market. Perhaps a book on track racing?

As for size, I would say that you definitely DO NOT want standover height to be your determining factor to begin selecting a comfortable size, due to your relatively longer torso. Are your arms longer, too? Based on a 6" height, I'd guess that you'd do better on a frame with a top tube between 58 and 59.5 cm, and a stem reach of about 10 or 11 cm to start. Much of this is bike geometry dependent, so you'll have to check the geometry charts on the models you're considering. This is ESPECIALLY vital if you choose to go mail order. With limited experience, you need someone to validate your size choice BEFORE you place the order. Find an experienced friend or advisor first.